The 5 Key Elements of an Online Backup Service

In my prior post, I discussed the insanity of my existing backup strategy and how I got to this point today.

While doing my research on online backup services, I had a couple of things in mind but it wasn’t until I started doing my research that it became apparent. (Once again, diving deeper into the subject gave me an awareness that I didn’t have before I started out.)

What I wanted was an online service that met the following 5 requirements:

1.Price/GB ratio

I wanted cheap Giga Bytes (GB) of data backup storage and I wasn't willing to pay outrageous prices. If it cost me less than $20 for an 8GB USB thumb drive, why would I be crazy to pay , i.e., 4GB @ $19.95 / month.

2. Reliability/safety/uptime/data redundancy

This is just geek speak for 24 x 7 x 365 accessibility. I want my online data backup service to be available when I need it. Especially on Thanks Giving, Christmas, New Years, 4th of July, etc…

3. Ease of use

If it isn’t easy, it isn’t for me. I just want to backup my data and not have to wade through a manuals learning the ins and outs of an online backup service

4. Speed

I can't wait hours or days to backup/restore my data. If for some unknown reason I need to restore a file, I need it NOW and not 10 minutes or 10 hours or 10 days from now!

5. Versioning

I need to keep versions of specific files and data. Often, I'll revert back to a prior file or data simply because I messed something up and need to start over. Having multiple versions by date/time is an absolute "must have"!

Now with a list of 5 requirements in hand, I began my quest to find an online backup service. OK, how do I begin? Where do I go first or what do I do first? Silly questions I know...but of course I go to Google and search on Home Online Backup Services! (How did I ever manage to find anything without Google?)

From the Google search result, I first jumped over to to PC Mag to read their review...and then to Consumer Research...and then to Information Week...and then to what seemed like a million other sites...you know...there's TOO MUCH INFORMATION...

With over 40 vendors offering online backup services I couldn't possibly review each offering and give a fair assessment--unless of course, I was looking for a new full time job. Instead, I leveraged the work of others (see sources below) and then selected the best 3 for a hands-on-try-before-you-buy analysis.

(click image to inlarge)

Anyway, after doing my research for longer than I wanted, I finally found an online service that met my 5 requirement or needs.



WOW! This is sweet and a big relief.

No longer am I hand-cuffed to external hard drives and to fumbling through a drawer full of different sized USB thumb drives.

No longer do I have to worry about my housing burning down or my hard drive crashing or someone breaking into my home and stealing my computer...

Take a look and see yourself (click on the graphics)



(currently, it's a no brainer--you get 2 GB's of FREE storage to try-before-you-buy!)

Sources
1. PC Magazine:
This roundup rates five online backup services. SOS Online Backup takes the top spot, though Mozy is called "good." Editors say it's a bit harder to use than the other services, according to reviewer Michael Muchmore.
Review: The Best Online Backup Services, Michael Muchmore, Apr. 29, 2008

2. Information Week:
Testing here includes AT&T Online Vault, Carbonite, eSureIT, IBackup and Mozy, and Mozy is an easy winner. Reviewer Serdar Yegulalp likes the free 2 GB service, and notes you can upgrade if you need more.
Review: Five Online Backup Services Keep Your Data Safe, Serdar Yegulalp, Apr. 9, 2007

3. Consumersearch.com:
In this roundup, MozyHome bests Carbonite, Mozy, Xdrive and Iron Mountain's Connected Backup/PC service. Says reviewer Joel Hruska: "Mozy's 2GB of free space is about standard, but the company's unlimited storage plan for just $4.95 a month is by far the most generous of the products we tested."
Review: Online Backup Solutions: A Review, Joel Hruska, July 16, 2007

4. Tom Muse.com:
Review: Ultimate Review List of Best Free Online Storage and Backup Application Services updated: 09/07/2008